A property developer embroiled in a High Court battle with two of the UK's best-known businessmen has been accused of having "convenient amnesia".

Patrick McKillen, who comes from Belfast but is based in Dublin, is fighting Sir David Barclay and his twin Sir Frederick over control of a £1 billion company which owns three of London's most famous hotels.

All three were investors in Coroin - the company which owns Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley hotels - judge Mr Justice David Richards has been told at a High Court hearing in London.

Mr McKillen has taken legal action against the Barclay brothers and claims that "company affairs" were conducted in a "manner unfairly prejudicial to his interests".

The Barclay brothers, who grew up in London, are contesting Mr McKillen's claims and say his allegations are designed to "tarnish" their reputations and "embarrass" them.

Mr McKillen was questioned by Kenneth MacLean QC, who represents a number of firms controlled by the Barclay brothers, as the hearing entered its third day.

Mr MacLean suggested that in 2011 Mr McKillen was making "secret" attempts to find backers to buy out "Barclay interests".

He suggested that Mr McKillen was trying to "put together" an "arrangement" with an investor from Singapore.

Mr MacLean asked about a document which, he said, seemed to relate to the "arrangement".

Mr McKillen indicated that he did not recall the document. Mr MacLean told him: "Your amnesia in relation to this document is very convenient."